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Evidence-led food systems transformation policies in the context of Viksit Bharat

The Plateau State Government has taken a strategic step toward vitalizing its agricultural sector with a two-day working visit to IITA–CGIAR on 2–3 March. The seven-member delegation, led by the Technical Adviser to the State Government, Dr Haggai Gutap, explored cutting-edge agricultural innovations to boost productivity across the stat

Agriculture is increasingly recognized as the cornerstone of sustainable development across Africa, where it is significantly reshaping livelihoods, economies, and food systems. Across the continent, governments, development institutions, and research partners are aligning efforts to ensure food and nutritional self-sufficiency, reduce dependence on costly imports, and position African nations more competitively in global trade. What was once a long-term aspiration is now unfolding as a coordinated movement – with key actors drawn from research, academia, and governments, driven by innovation, policy reform, and investment, quietly transforming the lives of millions.

The CGIAR has launched the Policy Innovation hub in Lilongwe, highlighting the pivotal role researchers play in informing policymakers through evidence-based research. The country policy hub is expected to articulate future research needs to support Malawi’s food systems transformation to 2030 and to raise awareness of how existing evidence can inform national decision-making. The launch attracted the attendance of academicians, researchers, communication experts, government officials, and farmers, among other stakeholders.

A two-member delegation from India’s National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) visited the IITA–CGIAR headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria, from 12 to 13 March 2026. During the visit, both teams held intensive technical discussions on aflatoxin mitigation and advanced preparations for a joint initiative to create an India-specific Aflasafe product.

IITA–CGIAR has formalized its presence in Madagascar following the signing of a Host Country Agreement (HCA) with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MINAE) on 27 February 2026 in the capital city. The agreement grants IITA legal status in the country and sets the stage for long-term, science-driven agricultural investment.

By building an AI-powered “digital brain” that analyzes field data from across the globe, CGIAR and Google aim to improve breeding efficiency, standardize agricultural data, and deliver better crop varieties faster, while also strengthening food security monitoring in vulnerable regions.

When considering the effects of climate change, many people tend to think of headline-grabbing wildfires, superstorms, or mega-droughts. But some of the most devastating impacts are quiet and creeping, such as rising salinity.